Be on the lookout for missing Newnan man

by Wes Mayer

Newnan police are asking for assistance in finding a man who has been missing for more than a week.

Austin Daniel Howard, 24, was last heard from on Dec. 7 around 8 p.m., and is believed to have been at the Fried Tomato Buffet on Bullsboro Drive, said Sgt. Brent Blankenship with the Newnan Police Department. According to a press release from Newnan detectives, Howard was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket and black pants, and was carrying a black bag. Detectives believe Howard left the restaurant traveling on foot.

According to the detectives, Howard’s mother notified police that he was missing on Dec. 11. Detectives have learned Howard’s mother was taken to Piedmont Newnan Hospital for medical treatment on Dec. 6, and Howard traveled with her — Howard later left the hospital while his mother was still being treated.

Howard’s mother was released from the hospital around 1 p.m. Dec. 7, and received a call from Howard around 8 p.m. asking her to pick him up from the Fried Tomato Buffet, according to the release. However, when his mother arrived, Howard was not there, and he has not been heard from since.

Detectives have asked for anyone with information on the whereabouts of Howard to contact the Newnan Police Department at 770-254-2355. Or contact Det. Sgt. Chad Wood directly at 770-254-2355, ext. 116.